A cricket in the corner sang cheerily and ceased suddenly in the middle of a chirp when the Master came back with a lighted candle. [Pg 104] “One moment, Herr Doctor.” He whisked off again and presently returned, holding under his arm something that was wrapped in many pieces of ragged silk. One by one these were removed, and at last the treasure was revealed. He held it off at arm’s length, where the light might shine upon its beauty, and well out of reach of a random touch. The Doctor said the expected thing, but it fell upon deaf ears. The Master’s fine face was alight with more than earthly joy, and he stroked the brown breasts lovingly. “Mine Cremona!” he breathed. “Mine—all mine!” [Pg 105] [Pg 105] VIII A Bit of Human Driftwood “ Present company excepted,” remarked Lynn, “this village is full of fossils.” P “At what age does one get to be a ‘fossil,’” asked Aunt Peace, her eyes twinkling. “Seventy-five?” “That isn’t fair,” Lynn answered, resentfully. “You’re younger than any of us, Aunt Peace,—you’re seventy-five years young.” “So I am,” she responded, good humouredly. She was upon excellent terms with this tall, straight young fellow who had brought new life into her household. A March wind, suddenly sweeping through her rooms, would have had much the same effect. “Am I a fossil?” asked Margaret, who had overheard the conversation. “You’re nothing but a kid, mother. You’ve never grown up. I can do what I [Pg 106]please with you.” He picked her up,
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